Francis Appiah Honored with Prestigious NAHSAG Award to Fight Substance Abuse

By Kaakyire Akwasi | Aya Multimedia Africa / MyAfrica Blogger

In a remarkable gesture of recognition and commitment to national health advocacy, the National Health Students Association of Ghana (NAHSAG) has officially named a new award in honor of rising health leader and 2025 MDC Board Rep. Aspirant, Francis Appiah.

The Francis Appiah Award for Best Conclusion Team in Health Debate is part of a broader campaign by NAHSAG to combat the growing menace of substance abuse among Ghanaian youth particularly the surge in opioid use, locally known as Red

This initiative brings together eight major health student associations across Ghana for a high-level inter-block debate competition, which will be held at KAAF University on Saturday, May 17th, 2025 at 10:00 AM. The event seeks to stimulate critical thinking and advocacy among future health professionals, while also engaging them in the national dialogue on addiction and public health.

In appreciation of Mr. Appiah longstanding commitment to health policy advocacy and youth empowerment, NAHSAG has announced that 60% of the award cash prize will be presented to the winning team, with 40% directed towards ongoing substance abuse awareness campaigns across the country.

In a public statement, Mr. Appiah expressed his heartfelt gratitude to NAHSAG, stating:

“This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a powerful symbol of our collective fight against substance abuse. I am deeply humbled and remain committed to supporting this bold and timely vision.

This award not only celebrates individual leadership, but also highlights the urgent need for youth-centered solutions to Ghana’s drug crisis. It is expected to become a key fixture in future NAHSAG programs.

The Francis Appiah Award is poised to inspire a new generation of health advocates and civic leaders dedicated to creating a healthier, drug-free Ghana.